ACOS1 is specifically designed for highly secure payment applications. With this high security feature, ACOS1 is particularly suitable for applications such as network access control, electronic purse and multitude of other applications that stress high security.

ACOS1 is known among smart card system developers that it is secure but is easy to use. The design is often said to be 'secure and elegant'.

Standard Features

ACOS1 Security Features:

Digital Encryption Standard (DES) -- Ciphering is used in this mode of protection, which is like translating the information into some unknown foreign language, so the stored information can be transmitted confidentially. Simple DES or Triple DES versions are both available.

Message Authentication Capability (MAC) -- This is based on the exchange and mutual verification of secret passwords [keys] between the card and the card-accepting device. The whole verification process is done within the device and information is never transmitted outside during the process, making eavesdropping virtually impossible.